Manchester is a thriving, modern city with a global reputation for culture, leisure and sporting success. Not only one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, and a vital engine of economic growth for the north west and the UK, we're also a pioneer in public service reform, reshaping services in ways that influence thinking far beyond our boundaries. There's no better place to bring your talents than one of the country's most dynamic public service organisations in one of Europe's most progressive cities.
We have an ambitious City Plan. To deliver this the council must be a great place to work, with a culture we can be proud of and an absolute commitment to the highest standards of performance and conduct. That's what this job is all about: you'll lead one of the biggest, busiest, most complicated and most rewarding core city People functions in the country, from inclusive recruitment to talent management and building great career pathways to supporting all our people to feel valued at work.
We're proud of our successes such as our award winning approach to employee engagement setting a new benchmark in organisational development and our new EDI plan furthering the work started in our race review. We are also clear eyed about where we need to do more or think differently.
As one of the fastest growing and most diverse local labour markets in the country, our priorities include the continuous improvement of workforce representation at all levels, strengthening equality, pay, and fairness, supported by the implementation of our new HR & Finance system. We are also pursuing a renewed focus on culture and behaviours and an integrated talent strategy developing world class leaders.
About the CandidateWe want to meet people with a sophisticated mix of expertise, experience and leadership skills, who can immediately establish a strong, credible reputation and momentum for change. Your communication, negotiation and influencing ability will be exceptional, and you must bring a track record of consolidating and strengthening large, complex organisations.
You'll be joining a strong, well respected, politically and financially stable city, with highly valued partnerships. The professional opportunity to deliver a high performing service and lead an exceptional team shouldn't be missed. We know this job will be a major enabling factor in us achieving our vision for Manchester, and we're really looking forward to meeting experienced, optimistic leaders who can make it all happen.
To apply please visit
To find out more, please visit Director People and Organisational Development - Leading in Manchester
To arrange a confidential conversation with Dawn Faulkner at Faerfield, please call .
Closing date: 6th April 2026
About UsWe're the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities.
Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it's strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you'll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.
Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city - a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:
At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.
Support During the ProcessWe guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirement for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:
We're a Disability Confident Employer, offering:
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.
Pre Employment ChecksIf you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre employment checks required will depend on the role you've applied for, see the top of the advert for details.
These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.
Other relevant informationWe want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we'll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
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